Yes, I Have a Specific Workout Outfit For Each Boutique Fitness Class I Take

There's a special kind of release that comes with punching the absolute sh*t out of a heavy bag. There's also something motivating about doing it in a dark studio of quick-fire rounds, each with their own rapidly changing series of punches. Combine this with strobe lights and the portion of the class that's dedicated to boot-camp-style floor and weight exercises, and you have Rumble Boxing. This is easily my favorite class in the city.

My favorite time to do this class is before work, but getting in the punch-throwing mood isn't always easy at 7 a.m. To help me look and feel the part (especially as I'm struggling through the final freestyle rounds), I like wearing dark shades and supportive fabrics that move with me seamlessly. On top, I keep it sleek with a breathable, supportive sports bra ($40) in a black shiny finish for a punch of flair. And on the bottom, a pair of stretchy, lightly textured leggings ($75) in a deep teal shade always fits the bill.

Picture yourself in a 90-degree Bikram yoga room. Now add low-impact, Tabata-style HIIT intervals to the mix. The product is a highly sweaty, surprisingly zen, and rapidly result-producing class known as bodē nyc's Hot HIIT. This staple in my class rotation was introduced to me by one of my favorite fitness apps. Though not recommended for those sensitive to heat, it's known for marrying the benefits of heated workouts and low-impact bodyweight exercises to produce lean muscles.

Aside from packing in proper nutrition and overhydrating before every class, I always make sure I'm dressed correctly. Sweating out literal pounds is practically part of this class's description, so I forgo a shirt for a pastel-hued sports bra ($40). The antimicrobial fabric keeps things smelling fresh, which is a must in those heated studios. To pair with the soft shades I'm wearing on top, I embrace the white workout wear trend with a pair of full-length leggings in an off-white tone ($75). Though you may assume shorts would be my first choice, I actually prefer to wear leggings to prevent slipping and injures during lunges, side planks, and the like.

Anyone whose ever walked through New York or even scrolled through Instagram has likely seen that bright yellow wheel. While not at all a new class, SoulCycle has proved it's the reigning king of boutique spin that feels like a therapeutic dance party instead of a grueling workout. After reluctantly giving it a try, I was hooked, but quickly learned that leaving drenched in sweat was part of the deal.

Because 50-plus bikes are packed into a small studio, things inevitably heat up pretty quickly. So when it comes to clothes, moisture-wicking and breathable is the name of the game. On top, I usually opt for a solo sports bra or a lightweight, strappy-backed tank ($40), which is easy to tie a knot in and crop when the class reaches peak temperature. In a similar air-flow-inducing fashion, I always make sure to have a clean pair of mesh-paneled cropped leggings ($65) on hand before class.

Barre was the first class that truly sparked my relationship with boutique fitness classes. Along the way, I stumbled upon a barre-cardio fusion class and learned that cardio made it even better.

Since this class is the most low-key and traditional in my collection of unique workouts, I like to keep it simple and casual. For me, a classic gym outfit consists of full-length black leggings ($75) — mesh paneled for the sake of trends, of course — and a supportive black sports bra ($42) to keep things in place during burpees and jumping jacks. Then I top it off with a flouncy graphic tank ($35) that's easy to throw on and ideal for moving and stretching at the barre.